China Ousts You Haitao and Li Pengcheng From Parliament Amid PLA Corruption Purge

Dec 26, 2024, 06:10 AM

China has removed two military lawmakers, Lieutenant General You Haitao and Vice-Admiral Li Pengcheng, from its national parliament, the National People's Congress, amid an ongoing purge of senior military officials. The dismissals were announced by the NPC Standing Committee, with the lawmakers suspected of violating laws and discipline, a common euphemism for corruption in China. This action is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign within the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which has seen several high-ranking officers, including Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission, investigated for corruption. The purge reflects President Xi Jinping's efforts to consolidate power and discipline within the military, amidst reports of political disarray and calls for collective leadership within the PLA. You Haitao was a deputy commander of the PLA Ground Force, while Li Pengcheng served as the navy commander of the Southern Theater Command. The campaign is seen as a response to Xi's monopoly on power within the military.